The Merriam center is about 1 mile west of Shawnee Mission KS and 3 miles north of Overland Park City Center.
Merriam's location in the Midwest places it in the humid continental climate zone, which is categorized by four distinct seasons and moderate precipitation. The temperatures can swing drastically throughout the year, with average highs in the triple digits for several as well as a few weeks of freezing or below freezing temperatures. Merriam is also on the edge of Tornado Alley, so it's best to avoid the area during the spring, when the most powerful storms have traveled through the city. If you don't mind the cold, you may score a lower rate on a hotel room during the winter season.
The city of Merriam doesn't host any major events, so you won't see any drastic price shifts from hotels due to higher tourism. In Kansas, events taking place at Memorial Hall may impact rates in Merriam, although the indoor arena only seats 3,500, so the events typically don't draw crowds that are too massive. Sporting Kansas City is a Major League Soccer franchise that plays its home games in Kansas City, so those matches may impact hotel rates as fans travel to cheer for the other team.
Score a discounted rate at many of the hotels in the Merriam area. AAA members can save at Quality Inn, Radisson Hotel Lenexa Overland Park, Courtyard by Marriott Kansas City Shawnee, Sheraton Suites Country Club Plaza, The Raphael Hotel Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott Kansas City Westport, and Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza. For group travelers, discounts may be available, depending on where you book and how many rooms you'll be reserving at the same time.
If you're a senior guest, check out the lower rates offered at Homewood Suites Kansas City / Overland Park, La Quinta Inn & Suites Overland Park, Extended Stay America Kansas City Overland Park, Comfort Inn I-70 Near Kansas Speedway, and Drury Inn & Suites Kansas City Overland Park. Government and military personnel are also eligible for discounts at Holiday Inn & Suites Overland Park West and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kansas City KU Medical Center.
Drury Inn Kansas City Shawnee Mission offers a high-value experience for guests with appealing amenities and reasonable rates. This three-star property has an indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, free soda and popcorn in the lobby for guests, a Kickback reception each evening at 5:30, a 24-hour fitness center, a business center, guest laundry facilities, free parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi. You can also take advantage of the free breakfast, which includes fresh Belgian waffles, eggs, meat, fresh fruit, hot cereal, biscuits and gravy, and coffee. Rooms come with comfortable seating, a flat-screen TV, a coffee maker, a microwave, and a refrigerator.
Another great place to stay in the area is Holiday Inn & Suites Overland Park West, located about 4 miles from Merriam. Amenities include both outdoor and indoor swimming pools, an indoor hot tub, free wireless internet access, a welcoming fireplace in the lobby, and a free shuttle offering service within a 3-mile radius. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar, room service, and daily breakfast for an additional fee. Within your room, features include an LCD TV with cable channels, a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a sofa bed, and premium bedding.
Merriam is home to several expansive outdoor spaces with views of the natural beauty surrounding the city. If you're visiting during the warmer seasons, visit Antioch Park, where you'll find a playground for kids, hiking and walking trails, and several fishing lakes, or Waterfall Park, where you can take a short hike to see a beautiful waterfall. Shawnee Mission Park is another popular place to visit, sitting on 1,600 acres of land. Recreational opportunities include a 120-acre lake, a large off-leash dog park, several picnic areas, playgrounds, a disc golf course, and trails for mountain biking and horseback riding.
If you're traveling with children, make sure to spend some time at Wonderscope Children's Museum, which features educational and interactive exhibits for kids of all ages. Take a tour and sample some fresh produce at Strawberry Hill Povitica Company or learn more about the area and its influences at the Merriam Historical Plaza. Shawnee Town 1929 is a nearby history museum that provides insight into how the area was first settled and established.
Whether you're visiting Merriam on business or for fun, it's easy to find a comfortable place to stay that offers easy access to many of the top attractions.
Below are reviews of the city of Merriam, KS from an actual visitor's perspective.
Easy access to get where we wanted to go.
Thoughtful staff. Nice towels, bedding and very clean.
Convenient location.
Accommodation were great!!
All amenities within close proximity. Shopping and restaurants.
Highway access to airport, Enterprise Car Rental very close, many places to eat, etc.